You're very quick to throw the "sucks" tag on players. I wonder how you felt about Hightower early in his career here before he blossomed.
I disagree with your assessments on Michael and Coleman. I Didn't see any of Gordon as he is on West coast.
I don't think a veteran running back is as key as you suggest. A running back is only going to be as good as his offensive line. The Pats' offensive line is too finesse these days. Their mindset is not to come out and physically dominate teams, blowing people off the ball. They don't have anyone on that line, IMO, that is in the Logan Mankins type of mold. They want more athletic guys who are better pass protectors because Brady is in the shotgun a majority of the time. That's why they've got former TE's Solder and Vollmer.
So improving the running game in my estimation is more about teaching, coaching, and promoting a more physical mindset on offense. I think you also have to look at getting more physically dominating guards and centers rather than focusing on the finesse types.
To me, the patriots have essentially become what the Colts were on offense with Manning. Heavily reliant on the pass, finesse offensive line, great home team, struggle to beat good teams with good defenses on the road. I hate it. They are no longer a physical offense.
An upgrade at RB would be nice, no doubt. But some of the names you're throwing out there? I am not as high on those guys as you are.
Matt Forte has looked like a shell of himself when I've seen him play. Maybe he was just nicked up. But 30 year old running backs don't get better, they get worse and eventually fall off a cliff.
Chris Ivory? I'd rather have Brandon Bolden. Chris Ivory usually has one big 35 yard rush per game and the rest of his carries all go for 2 or 3 yards. He's physical but he has terrible vision. He's the definition of a JAG.
Lamar Miller? He's the guy who's going to get you the tough yards between the tackles against physical defenses? I don't see him as that type of player. More like a change of pace big play threat.
I have zero interest in Doug Martin. Good rookie year, disappears for two years, has a good contract year. Already 27 years old. No thanks. Feels like the type of guy you go out and give a big deal and you immediately regret it.
If that's the best that's out there in FA, I'd honestly rather just stick with Bolden and White. Bring in a mid to late round RB in the draft. Chase a guard or a center in free agency if there's a good fit. I'd rather go after a guy like Mike Iupati (free agent last year) or Alex Mack if he opts out for $7-$8 million a year than give one of these overrated RB's $4-5 million per year.
A physical guard or center would upgrade our running game more than signing a RB would.
